By RUSSELL HUFFMAN and BRAD KEITH TheFlashToday.com
DE LEON (October 6, 2017) — Anthony Rangel put De Leon ahead to stay, then Calvin Martin hauled in both an interception and a touchdown – all in the fourth quarter – to lift No. 8 De Leon (6-0, 2-0) to a 27-14 win over Hico (3-2, 0-1) in a 10-2A Division I tilt at Bearcat Stadium Friday.
Rangel, who is topped 1,000 rushing yards after only six games, scored on a 55-yard run to break a 14-14 tie early in the fourth quarter after a game Hico squad kept it tight much of the night.
Then it became the Calvin Martin show.
Martin intercepted a pass to put the Bearcat offense right back in business, and head coach David Yeager and company decided to ride the hot hand. Kevin Yeager looked Martin’s way and delivered a TD pass to bus junior classmate, letting him cash in the opportunity he created himself.
Yeager the younger topped the 1,100-yard mark passing the ball. The junior is already a two-time district offensive player of the year.
The Bearcats sealed the victory and their first 6-0 start since 1990 when Chris Cox picked off another Hico pass on the ensuing possession.
When Hico wasn’t forced to go to the air while playing from behind. the Tigers were more than formidable, even leading 7-0 and again 14-7 before the 20-0 finishing surge from the potent Bearcats.
It was the closest game to this point for De Leon, who climbed two spots in the Associated Press state poll this week after a 38-18 beating of previously No. 9 ranked Crawford the Friday prior.
The Flash Today/RUSSELL HUFMAN
De Leon leads the area in offensive production this fall, thanks largely to the stats compiled by quarterback Kevin Yeager, left, and running back Anthony Rangel. || The Flash Today/RUSSELL HUFFMAN
Bray Tovar, 55 above, Tony Evans, 23, and the rest of the De Leon defense will look to win first and second down, get off the field on third down and keep the Hamilton offense from chewing up the clock at Kooken Field Friday. || The Flash Today/RUSSELL HUFFMAN
When De Leon needed it most in its tough battle with Hico, Calvin Martin stepped up on both sides of the ball. || The Flash Today/RUSSELL HUFFMAN
De Leon and quarterback Kevin Yeager are ranked in 2A by the Associated Press. The Bearcats visit Hamilton for a District 10-2A Division I contest at 7:30 p.m. Friday. || The Flash Today/Russell Huffman
Chris Cox, a dynamic playmaker for De Leon, is part of a special junior class of Bearcat athletes. || The Flash Today/RUSSELL HUFFMAN
De Leon remains ranked eighth in 2A by the Associated Press while the Bearcats are fourth in the Harris Ratings in 2A Division I and sixth in the Maxpreps computer among schools in 2A Division I. || The Flash Today/RUSSELL HUFFMAN
Anthony Rangel reached 1,016 rushing yards during the 27-14 De Leon win over Hico. || The Flash Today/Russell Huffman
All our area footbll stars, including De Leon quarterback Kevin Yeager, are ready to lay it all out there in the state playoffs beginning Thursday for the Bearcats and Friday for Stephenville, Stephenville FAITH and Hico. || TheFlashToday.com photo by RUSSELL HUFFMAN
It’s playoff time for area high school football teams. De Leon is up first Thrursday, with Stephenville, Stephenville FAITH and Hico all getting after it on Friday. || The Flash Today/RUSSELL HUFFMAN
Anthony Rangel rushed for 1,723 yards and 23 touchdowns during the regular season, leading area 11-man players in both. || TheFlashToday.com photo by RUSSELL HUFFFMAN
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